From Fiction to Reality: The Books That Have Shaped Me

Books are portals, not just into fictional worlds, but into who we become. This personal reflection explores the literature that shaped the creative and entrepreneurial spirit behind ZYVAH . From bell hooks’ contemplative wisdom to the surreal elegance of Haruki Murakami, each book left a mark—not just on thought, but on style.

One standout is The Secret History by Donna Tartt, which fed an early fascination with aesthetic elitism and classical fashion tropes. Another, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, unveiled the power of visibility and self-expression in a world determined to define you.

Literature cultivates interiority. And for creatives, that inner world becomes the wardrobe.

In fashion, the books we read become metaphors we wear. They frame how we tell stories through fabric, texture, and silhouette.